Families Vale of York May / June 2011

40

may/june2011 issue

free

The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

It’s a refreshing change: to have a choice of hundreds of holidays that are recommended by other families who have been there and experienced them

www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

THE ASHVILLE ADVENTURE “Outstanding” ISI Inspection 2011 A fun interactive session for pre-school children and their parents. Stay and play at Ashville Pre-Prep School. Come and enjoy stories and activities with your child and take the opportunity to have an informal look around the Pre-Prep School.

Come and see what makes Ashville different.

Wednesday 11th May 2011 Wednesday 22nd June 2011 9.30am - 11.00am Open Mornings Come and see the Pre-Prep and Junior schools on a working day.

Tours of the Senior School available, please call for more details.

Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th May 2011 9.30am - 11.00am Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP 01423 566358 ashville@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

Clifton Pre-Prep School

For boys and girls aged 3 - 8 years ‘Academically excellent’

Building the foundation of your child’s education

If you are interested in seeing our Nursery and Reception classes for entry in September 2011 please call us on 01904 527361 to book an appointment Clifton Pre-Prep School York YO30 6AB Tel: 01904 526361 enquiries@cliftonprep.sch.uk www.st-peters.york.sch.uk/clifton

Clifton Pre-Prep • St Olave’s • St Peter’s

Families Vale of York

welcome

If, like me, you have a ‘Birthday Month’ – one month of the year when everyone you know has the audacity to have a birthday – you’ll understand the words ‘panic shopping’.

For me that month is April where this year I clocked up a massive twelve people who needed presents and cards. And they’re big ones too – son, mum, nephew, best friend. In April I try to be organised ahead of time but all of a sudden every other day seems to throw up another birthday and I’m sure I don’t always put enough thought into my purchases.

Lucky for me then that the issue I’ve been preparing during April is the Parties issue, enabling me to be fully immersed in the whole birthday feeling! In this issue we’ve some great ideas for celebrating and a few ways to make things easier – and cheaper. And if it’s not your ‘Birthday Month’ yet, keep hold of this copy of Families until it is – it will be invaluable. Be sure to check our website too as we have lots of articles and ideas to help make the day go with a swing!

Before I close I must also congratulate two friends who managed to schedule their new babies to arrive with perfect timing– in April!

Editor

in this issue

p3 news p6 the parent business p7 competitions p8 real nappy week p9 exam stress & how to overcome it p10 parties p16 what’s on this spring p19 treasure trails

familiesmagazine Contact us: PO Box 201, DN14 9ZW Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk Front cover: www.monsoon.co.uk Circulation: 17,000 Deadline: The deadline for the July/Aug 2011 edition is early June 2011 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel:01405 869045 Printed by: Bishops Printers www.bishops.co.uk

beta mum

what’s online • Party with Prudence - How to party without breaking the bank.

• Changes to Child Tax Credits - Local accountant Gill Wren explains how the new changes to tax credits will affect you.

• Sleep Solutions - Leading baby sleep expert, Jo Tantum discusses a problem many new parents are faced with.

• Exchange for Life - A French exchange can be a fun and interesting part of your child’s learning. Joanna Parry’s guide helps you navigate your way through arranging one.

• It’s a Dad’s Life - Find out what our blogger Rob has been up to.

• Beta Mum - Jacey can be found online as well as on P19.

• Competitions - Enter all our competitions online.

Copyright Families in the Vale of York May/June 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families in the Vale of York is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Vale of York

news New Owners at Munchkins Nursery Munchkins Nursery at Brackenholme Business Park has two new owners, Natalie Cumberland and Sally Hampshire.

‘We met and became friends three years ago,’ says Natalie, ‘when we were walking our children to school. It soon became clear we were very alike but with skills that complement each other.’

Whilst Sally’s background is in childcare, Natalie has worked in business administration.

‘Being working mums we knew what we expected as parents from the childcare on offer to us. Going into business together seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring all our ideas to life and make a positive impact within an industry that is important to parents everywhere.’

‘There have been lots of surprises along the way but we’ve been overwhelmed by the way the staff have come on board with us, working harder than we would have ever imagined to make Munchkins an amazing nursery . Having a team with a vision like ours is a big step towards attaining our goals.

‘We are thoroughly enjoying watching our ideas become reality (with lots of hard work!) and are proud of the achievements that we have made since we arrived in January this year.’

You can find out more about Munchkins at their open day on Saturday 10th May from 10am – 2pm. Munchkins, Unit 6 Brackenholme Business Park, Selby. 01757 638868

Magical Musical-Rama Youngsters at a Harrogate nursery are being offered an introduction to performing arts with an exciting addition to the timetable.

Children at Harrogate’s Magic Tree Day Nursery can now take part in Magical Musical-Rama -an exciting addition to the performing arts timetable.

Catherine Fearn, drama teacher at Belmont Grosvenor School, and co-ordinator of Magical Musical-Rama said: ‘Music and movement is important for babies and children of all ages and abilities, it helps them express their moods, emotions and feelings.

‘In the sessions the children develop spatial awareness as they dance, make verbal and nonverbal responses to traditional rhymes within musical pieces, and play an interesting variety of simple percussion instruments which develop their muscles and co-ordination.’

Belmont Grosvenor School and the Magic Tree Day Nursery is holding an open morning and art exhibition of pupils’ work on Friday 6 May between 9.30 and 11.45am.

To find out more visit www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Still Gorgeous Supports Local Charity Harrogate clothing boutique Still Gorgeous is donating all its unsold, unclaimed clothing to The Yorkshire Aid Convoy. The shop which is based on Cold Bath Road, sells good quality pre-loved designer children’s clothes. Owner Clare Whittaker says the shop’s donations are being sent to orphanages in Romania.

‘We’re able to donate a significant amount of good quality clothing that’s making a real difference to children much less fortunate than ours. These are children who have never owned a coat, despite the freezing temperatures.’

The first Still Gorgeous convoy recently arrived in Romania and you can see how those clothes are helping by visiting the Still Gorgeous facebook page.

Kick for Children With Cancer Leeds United Football Club star Leigh Bromby joined staff at the West Riding County Football Association (WRCFA) last month for a football skills session in support of children and young people’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent’s Kick! Campaign.

Staff at the WRCFA led a skills session, with help from Leigh, for a group of students from Hambleton Church of England School in Selby who raised over £450 with the Kick! campaign in 2010.

Kick! is a fun football fundraising event for children and young people of all ages and abilities. Schools and groups are encouraged to host their own football event, learn new skills and get active to raise money for children and young people with cancer, and their families.

Registration is now open for this year’s campaign with schools and youth football clubs encouraged to hold events between May and July 2011.

Visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/kick to find out more.

Happy Birthday Tennis Tykes Tennis Tykes has recently celebrated its first birthday with two nominations in the “What’s On 4 Little Ones” awards for Best Local Activity For The Under 5s and Best New Activity for Children and is also expanding with new classes in Wetherby and York with classes now taking place on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in addition to the classes in Harrogate on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and in Ripon on a Monday.

Tennis Tykes also operates in North Leeds and Ilkley. www.tennistykes.co.uk 07843342662.

Children’s Hospice Week Local schools and community groups will be supporting Martin House Children’s Hospice by dressing as superheroes and running superhero activities in May. The activities are part of Children’s Hospice Week (14-21 May), the UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children’s hospice services.

‘Children’s Hospice Week is a great opportunity for people to be a hero and fundraise for their local children’s hospice.

Children’s hospices are incredible places that help children who are not expected to reach adulthood and their families.

Just like superheroes, children’s hospices are there for people when they need them most.’ said Alison Wragg, Community Fundraiser for Martin House.

To find out more call 01937 844569 or visit: www.martinhouse.org.uk

Feed the Lambs this spring New Pal’s Café in Tadcaster Too Hoots Nursery near Carlton is looking forward to their spring visitors – these gorgeous lambs!

‘We’ll have lambs here throughout May,’ says owner Zena Boasman and visitors are welcome to feed them if they arrive at meal times. Call ahead to check times on 01405 862854 www.toohoots.co.uk

Pals Fun time Cafe is a new play café designed to allow children and babies to learn through play. Situated on Wharfe Bank Mews the café has a large room adjacent to the cafe so children can play securely. With arts, crafts, pottery painting, old and new games to try, a selection of toys to play with and a safe area for babies and toddlers to play there’s plenty to keep little ones happy. Entrance price £2.50.

Pals Fun time Café, Wharfe Bank Mews, 4-6 Bridge Street, Tadcaster.

York pupils prove how easy it is to pedal Skelton Primary School won first prize in the York regional category of the Big Pedal after finishing in 8th Place out of 828 schools who entered from across the country.

Pupils from 14 schools in York made an astonishing 17,660 journeys by bike to school and back, over three weeks in March as part of the Big Pedal, a national cycle race which saw schools across the UK compete to be the fastest.

The race, powered by UK charity Sustrans and funded by the cycle industry through its Bike Hub, was created to inspire and encourage children to cycle on a regular basis.

For more details visit www.thebigpedal.org.uk

Families Vale of York

Tennis Tykes advert:Layout 1

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Recommended Family Holidays

Ever wish you could go on holiday and be sure it’s suitable for your family?

RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com does just that. The website will help you find independent self-catering family friendly holiday accommodation - that is recommended by other mums and dads.

And if you fancy a last minute holiday or one at a reduced rate in France, UK, Ireland, Cyprus or even Morocco visit their special offer pages.

‘Summer school holiday availability is filling up fast,’ says the site’s owner Lucilla, ‘but if you’re able to go outside of this period, availability tends to be very good and there are already some great offers around. For example, there’s 20-25% off on some French properties before the end of May, 10% discount on peak summer availability in a catered villa in South West France, 5% discount for 14 day bookings in Devon and free Sundays on some weekend stays.’

Visit www.RecommendedFamilyHolidays.com

Meet the Bloodhound Supersonic 1000mph Car! Children from Clifton Pre-prep School in York were very excited when they saw the so-called supersonic 1000mph car, ‘Bloodhound’ that will be attempting to break the world land speed record in 2012, when it visited St Peter’s in March. The visit was a unique collaboration between St Peter’s School, The National Railway Museum, York Science & Technology Week and the Army as part of the drive to inspire more pupils to take up STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

‘This is the third event we have hosted as part of the York and Science Technology week,’ said David Morris who is Head of Physics at St Peter’s. ‘I am passionate about bringing science to adults and children in an accessible way and events such as this hopefully achieve that goal. The car is an amazing sight and uses some ground breaking new technology.’

Splish Splosh enjoy new pool Local Swimming School Splish Splosh have a new venue for their popular classes – at St Peter’s School in York. The new 25 metre 6 lane pool will incorporate the latest energy saving features and provide a state of the art facility for the Clifton area and the city.

‘We’re excited to be using the new pool,’ said Victoria Pettitt, owner of Splish Splosh. ‘and it means we can offer even more classes in the city.’

Splish Splosh also holds classes at Archbishop Holgates School, New Earswick Pool, Carr Junior School, Robert Wilkinson School and The Mount School in York as well as other venues outside the city. www.splishsploshswimmingschool.co.uk

Parents Share a love of Books Acorns Montessori Nursery in Camblesforth near Selby celebrated Children’s Book week in March by inviting parents in to read to the children.

‘The children really enjoy having visitors,’ said nursery manager Christine Kot, ‘and they are keen to hear new stories, read by different voices. It’s so important to encourage an early love of books – and what better way than asking mums and dads to come in and share their stories!’ www.acornsmontessori.com

LABELS4KIDS keeps on growing Labels4kids is capitalising on a successful 2010, after winning Internet Retailer of the Year First Prize. In 2011, the company has continued its expansion with a website re-design, which includes an easier to use checkout, plus the exciting addition of a Spanish online store.

‘Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one’, says Ann-Maree Morrison, Company Director and a devoted fan of Families Magazines in the UK. ‘We hope our customers enjoy receiving our e-newsletters every now and then and will fully support our facebook, twitter and blog page, including the parents’ forum.

We are interested in any topics for discussion that you would like to talk about and welcome suggestions for debates and new products.

‘Labels4kids is not just about selling name labels and ID products. We actively encourage a ‘labels4kids community’ to help each other and talk about children related issues on our blog and forum.”

For more information or to join their facebook page or twitter feed go to www.labels4kids.com

Teaching tennis to little ones from 2 years A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme

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Classes across North Leeds, Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Ripon and York For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

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‘“Last week I made the fatal mistake of leaving my laptop open, exposed and vulnerable on the dining room table and yes, you’ve guessed it, my inquisitive two year old decided to modify it.”

Check out It’s a Dad’s Life at www.familiesvoy.co.uk

Families Vale of York

theparentbusiness Tennis Tykes

Continued Funding for North Yorkshire PACT

Local mum Caroline Buncall runs Tennis Tykes. Families editor Belinda Maunsell went along to a class and asked her how she was inspired to begin her business.

‘I played tennis for my county as a junior and had a fantastic social life through it,’ says Caroline. ‘Tennis is a great game you can play at any age and has given me some life-long friends along the way. I spent much of my time playing in tennis tournaments at weekends and during the holidays and then more recently became a tennis coach taking my qualifications. I also worked for the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Lawn Tennis Association.

‘Part of my role with the LTA was to oversee the setting up of tennis coaching and competitive programmes, working with clubs, coaches and schools to ensure the delivery of high quality tennis provision.’

It was whilst she was working at Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club that the pre school (2-4 year old) tennis programme grew substantially and it was clear to Caroline that tennis was having many positive effects on the children.

‘I could really see how playing affected the social, emotional and physical development of young children, including on my own 3 year old son.

With this in mind I set about finding out how to offer tennis to a wider audience - not through the non-traditional tennis club route . It was obvious to me that using local community centres and church halls would mean that a huge number of children could have the opportunity of playing tennis at a local venue from a young age.’

I asked Caroline what she enjoys most about her job: ‘Teaching the children -they are so fantastic to teach at this age! Every lesson is different and the children bring their own individual personalities to each class as we learn different skills within the structure of the lesson. The children’s tennis and co-ordination skills also develop so fast that you really can see dramatic improvements week to week.

‘Tennis is principally about having fun and we do this by incorporating such things as nursery rhyme music for warm ups with the younger children. All the classes work on skills that develop children’s balance and co-ordination and their confidence, social and language skills come on in bounds as they are encouraged to speak up and answer questions about the equipment with colours and numbers also being discussed.

Mini tennis rackets and the other adapted equipment is used with the children achieving the thrill of hitting the balls over the net in every class.’

Caroline has high hopes for the future: ‘Feedback from parents has been fantastic,’ she says, ‘and they’ve been very supportive. Due to demand I’m expanding in our existing areas and also looking to expand into new areas.’

Caroline is a mum herself and finds running her own business fits well with family life.

‘With any new business, there is quite a lot of administration work and long hours. The business is down to you and it will only move forward if you put the effort in. The main advantage is the flexibility to allow you to do this admin work at night – which means you can have quality time with your children. Having expanded over the last year I also have a team of fantastic coaches who deliver the sessions in a number of different areas - which has started to take some of the pressure off me.’

‘I’d advise other parents looking to work for themselves to think carefully.

Make sure you have a good idea if you are setting up a new business and that you feel passionately about it. Don’t assume it will mean less work than an employed job - but it does give you fantastic job satisfaction if you are working in an area you love. Go for it!’

For further information about the Tennis Tykes classes for children from 2 years old, log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk or contact Caroline Buncall on 07843342662/caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk.

Families Vale of York

North Yorkshire PACT (Participation, Advocacy, Cooperation and Teamwork) has recently learned its funding is to continue to be funded for a further 4 years by the Department of Education.

This is great news for the forum which works to support the parents and carers of disabled children and young people in North Yorkshire.

‘Since 2009 North Yorkshire PACT has been funded through the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme,’ says Parent Forum Coordinator Sara Dalton, ‘which has enabled us to commission activities such as Advocacy and Confidence training, a family fun day and a parent conference. Although the Aiming High programme finished in March 2011 we have recently leant that we will continue to be funded for another 4 years by the Department of Education so we can build on the momentum gained over the last 12 months and maintain a presence across the county.’

Since April 2009 parents and carers have come together to take forward the running of North Yorkshire PACT so they have a direct input in determining the services available for children and families of disabled children.

‘We aim to support parents of disabled children by helping them become more involved in making changes for their families. We also work at improving parent’s awareness of all the information, support and services available – it’s not always easy for parents to know where to begin,’ Sara adds.

‘A major achievement for us recently has been our involvement in Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo) Network training, which was delivered across the County and reached over 100 frontline staff. Our involvement in this training helped strengthen the message that parents are crucial partners in the development of services for our disabled children.

‘We’ll also be looking at delivering more training on key topics identified by our members and we want to host an awards event to celebrate all the great work taking place for disabled children in North Yorkshire.’

Membership to North Yorkshire PACT is FREE and is open to parents and carers as well as professionals working with disabled children and their families in North Yorkshire.

For more information on North Yorkshire PACT please visit www.nypact.co.uk or contact Sara Dalton, Parent Forum Coordinator on 07738456776 or email nypact@hotmail.com

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Telephone help Home demos Online advice questionnaire 01759 372884

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competitions Win A Family Photoshoot with RWD Photography

Richard Wynn-Davies is a leading contemporary wedding and lifestyle photographer based in York. He mostly works alongside his wife and fellow photographer, Caroline.

‘Love, life and laughter - this is what photography is about to us,’ says Richard. ‘We capture those exceptionally special moments, which at best are a hazy recollection and at worst a long forgotten memory. A beautiful photograph can bring that moment back in sparkling detail and with the same rush of emotion time and time again.’

Richard and Caroline concentrate on photographing love, marriage, childhood & family lifestyle portraits.

‘Family photo shoots take place in a number of different locations,’ says Richard, ‘usually starting at home and then heading outdoors - using different surroundings and backgrounds that provide the natural light and colour to make you and your loved ones really shine.’

Visit www.rwd-photography.com for some stunning examples of their work and to find out more.

competition

RWD Photography has a family lifestyle photo shoot and a 20” x 16” framed & signed print to give away to a lucky Families Reader.

To Enter: Visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/rwdphotography and follow the instructions there. Full details of the offer and Terms & Conditions are online. Closing date 10th June.

Clothes Labelling made Easy with Attach-a-Tag! Clothes labelling has always been a time-consuming and tiresome task.

Many traditional clothes labelling methods such as marker pen and sew-in or iron-on labels either fade or come off in the laundry process, and ultimately result in lost clothing and uniform.

Today’s busy parents simply do not have time to apply clothes labels continuously to school uniforms which is where Attach-a-Tag comes in.

Clothes labelling becomes a quick and simple task, so simple the kids can do it themselves! A small discrete button that is laser etched with the child’s name is applied to the garment label with the one click Attach-a-Tag applicator.

What’s more – the buttons can be easily removed and re-used on new clothing when your child has out-grown their uniform.

Attach-a-Tag now has white buttons with grey lettering as well as the original black buttons and also supplies a variety of sports socks – with a name embroidered on for free. An absolute godsend for kids who are always losing socks!

Visit www.attachatag.co.uk - clothes labelling has never been so easy!

giveaway

Attach-a-Tag have 5 Attach-a-Tag kits to give away. This includes the Dolphin applicator, 30 named tags and delivery. To be in with a chance of winning visit www.familiesvoy/attachatag and fill in the form.

Full terms and conditions are on our website.

Closing date 10th June.

Make an Impression this Father’s Day Sarah Pepler, owner of Make an Impression is an expert in the preservation of memories.

‘Our motto is “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” says Sarah, who has been creating beautiful impressions, casts & jewellery for the past three years.

‘Silver fingerprint jewellery is really popular,’ says Sarah, ‘and at this time of year the silver cufflinks make a great present for Father’s Day.’ The impressions take moments to do and Sarah will do her utmost to fit in with your schedule. She works in tandem with several businesses in North Yorkshire and will take appointments to visit her at home, near Pickering.

To find out more about what Make an Impression can create for you visit www.makeanimpression.eu

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a FREE PAIR OF SILVER FINGERPRINT CUFFLINKS WORTH £89 FOR FATHERS DAY! Make an Impression are offering one lucky winner the chance to have a personalised pair of silver fingerprint cufflinks made in time for Father’s Day. What a special gift for Dad!

To be in with a chance of winning this lovely giveaway visit www.familiesvoy. co.uk/makeanimpression and follow the instructions there.

The winner will need to either meet up with Sarah to have the fingerprint moulds taken or alternatively she can post you a kit which would need to be returned to her in time to produce the cufflinks.

Closing date: 16th May 2011

Win a

Zooble with Treasures of Wetherby Zoobles is a new toy range from Spin Master Toys the same people who do Moon Sand and Moon Dough.

‘These colourful cute collectables are great fun toys,’ says Treasures owner Zhara Armstrong. ‘You can choose from Marygold, Arizona, Spottie, Flutter, Mr. Quacks and Stingy. Girls are sure to enjoy playing with them.’

They’re well within pocket money prices too as Single Zoobles retail at £5.99. The range also includes Hair play Zoobles ( £7.99), Light up Zoobles (£9.99) and the Blossoming Garden Play set (£19.99).

giveaway

To celebrate the arrival of Zoobles at Treasures Zhara has three very cute and colourful Zoobles to give away.

To enter visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/zoobles and follow the instructions. Full terms and conditions are on our website. Closing date 10th June.

Tel:01904 691698 Email:info@bbchildcareuk.com www.bb-childcare.co.uk

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Families Vale of York

Every child really does matter

…at Little St Mary’s Pre-School Playgroup

Families Editor Belinda Maunsell went to find listening to their heartbeats through a stethoscope.’ out why.

As I visited on a Wednesday morning I went across to Little St Mary’s is situated right next to St Mary’s School in St Mary’s School hall to meet some of the parents and the village of Askham Richard and the playgroup certainly children who go to Askham Richard Parent and Baby makes the most of its rural setting. When I went to visit Group. When I arrived the children were enjoying a singing early in April the children were busying themselves in the session complete with instruments. Helen who runs the outdoor area. group told me the parents see it as a stepping stone to the pre-school and then school.

‘We’re in a perfect spot to benefit from the countryside around us,’ says Julie Lawn, chair of the pre-school.

‘We have a great family feeling here,’ she tells me, ‘most of ‘We have great links with the school next door and have the children move up to Little St Mary’s Pre-School when access to their forest schools area which the children love. they are two and then onto the school.

Being a rural community means we take advantage of It’s also a good way for parents to meet and share any village walks in all seasons so that the children learn more worries they may have. It can be a lonely experience about nature and the world around them.’ trying to cope with a baby, especially if you’ve not done it ‘We have quite a few parents who travel from surrounding before.’ villages such as Bilbrough, Healaugh and Angram as well During my visit the children aged 2 to 5 had lots of as areas closer to town such as Acomb when parents opportunities to play, listen to stories and make Easter choose us because they want that village setting with a cards – but most of all they enjoyed being outside. And more rural aspect. And we’re so close to the A64 and the in an age where we worry about our children having too outer ring road it’s a perfect drop-off for anyone who has much screen time it’s something that should be on every to travel in or out of York to work.’ parent’s mind when looking at a setting for their child.

‘The pre-school has excellent staffing ratios,’ says pre-school leader Angie Lingwood, ‘we’ve got a team Little St Mary’s caters for children aged 2 to school age and is of five caring and committed staff here which means open from 9am – 3pm Mon, Thurs & Fri; 9am – 1pm Tues & Wed. Funding is available for children aged 3+ we’re able to focus on each child as an individual.

Askham Richard Parent and Baby Group runs on Wednesday And we love to invite parents in to take part in activities with the children. Recently one parent came Mornings from 9am – 11am. in during our “what I want to be” topic to talk about Telephone Angela Lingwood on 01904 777072 for a visit her job as a doctor – and the children had great fun or more information.

Socatots keeps going strong Socatots York and Ripon celebrated its 4th birthday in January and owner Brian MacNair is delighted that it is going from strength to strength.

‘We started back in January 2007 with 5 classes and just over 30 children. This has grown steadily and we now have over 30 classes and 200 children attending every week. We have taken our time and built the business slowly, delivering great sessions which children and parents really enjoy.’

At Socatots children enjoy the mixture of football and fun games and develop fantastic coordination and balance as well as great listening skills - and this is clearly what parents love about the class.

‘We’ve attended Socatots in Ripon for over two years now and I know Owen is ready for everything school will throw at him’ said Jenny, Owen’s proud mum. Owen’s dad loves to watch his football ability progress too – he can run at pace with the ball under full control which is pretty good for a 3 year old, but adding in stepovers and adrianos – now that is really exciting.’

‘Some of the very first Socatots who attended in York and Ripon have now progressed onto Brazilian Soccer School (BSS)’ added Brian, ‘which is the big brother of Socatots. The children attending BSS in York and Ripon are developing into fantastic footballers with some already being noticed by professional football academies. The boys stand out due to their exceptional technical ability and amazing skills which many of them started developing at Socatots.’

Socatots has recently grown into new areas and is now offering a host of new classes. They now offer Socatots classes in York, Selby, Ripon, Thirsk and Northallerton and have a few spaces available for the current term. If you would like to join in the fun at either Socatots or Brazilian Soccer Schools contact Brian MacNair on 01765 620374, 07811 109437, email b.macnair@socatots. com or b.macnair@icfds.com or visit www. socatots.com/york&ripon www.icfds.com/yorkandripon

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GO REAL

- and share the secret

Karin Fothergill of Stratford Nappies tell us why she is looking forward to Real Nappy week: ‘Real Nappy Week this year runs from May 16th – 22nd. If you are new to reusable nappies, Real Nappy Week is a terrific opportunity to learn about them. There are many local events during the week, making it easy for you to get your hands on some nappies and find out what they are all about!

This year’s theme is ‘Share the Secret’. Go Real, the notfor-profit organisation promoting Real Nappies in the UK, is encouraging enthusiastic parents to share information and tips with each other. This is a great time to contact a local nappy advisor (usually a mum who has used them on her children and wants to spread the word) or to ask friends that use Real Nappies to find out the answers to all your questions.

To those who already use Real nappies, it might be hard to believe but lots of parents are still unaware of just how good they are. Go Real is asking you to help spread the word and erase the myths - that they aren’t messy, difficult to use or time-consuming! You can also take part in the Great Real Nappy giveaway - if you’ve got a friend who you would like to encourage to try Real Nappies, you can nominate them to receive one for free. For more information visit www.goreal.org.uk/rnw/nappy-giveaway.’

There will be a Real Nappy stand at the NCT Nearly New Sale on 21st May at the Poppleton Centre, York. Parents and expectant parents will have an opportunity to see and handle many different types of real nappies. Local nappy advisor, Karin Fothergill, will be on hand to answer all your questions and special Real Nappy Week promotions will be available. In addition, NCT Nearly New Sales are renowned as being a great place to pick up bargains, with good quality baby equipment and clothes being sold at a fraction of new prices.

There will also be other events running during the week and Karin is happy to arrange individual or group demos to suit. If you’re ordering real nappies from Karin quote FVOY and you’ll receive a 10% discount.

Further details at www.stratfordnappies.co.uk or call Karin on 01759 372884.

Exam Stress helping children beat it...

If your child is taking exams soon, then take a look at these tips from Relax Kids who create relaxation resources for children. Their CDs, books & DVDs are currently used in over 80,000 homes and schools in the UK and cover areas such as anxiety and worry, exam stress and anger management.

1. Good Food

In the run up to the SATS, make sure your child gets plenty of energy boosting foods. Eggs can help memory, concentration and emotional balance. Try and include some raw vegetables in every meal, so they get plenty of vitamins and minerals.

2. Exercise

Exercise stimulates the cerebellum part of the brain, which is responsible for learning and is also a fantastic stress buster!

3. Breathe Deeply

Breathing deeply is a very effective way to stay calm.

Encourage your child to take deep breaths right down into their stomach. Deep breaths are a fantastic way of staying calm during the SATS, especially if they feel their mind going blank. Try this simple breathing exercise: Take in a deep breath, put your lips together to make a small O and let out a soft slow and steady breath. See if you can blow out all the old air in your lungs. Now take in a deep breath, filling your lungs with new clean air.

Repeat this exercise 2 or 3 times. There are plenty more breathing exercises in the Relax Kids CD Relax and Destress and How are You feeling Today CDs.

4. Sunlight

Make sure your child is getting enough sunlight. Ten minutes of daily exposure to the sun is enough to supply them with all the vitamin D they need. It will also make them feel relaxed and cheerful as sunlight stimulates the pineal gland.

5. Staying Positive

It is so easy for children to feel stressed and pressured and then only see the negative aspects of life. Making a list of five things that they have done that they are proud of and their top five qualities, will put them in a better frame of mind. As parents, it is important to keep praising good behaviour and achievements. You may like to use the Relax Kids Star Cards or Mood Cards, Star Poster or Star stickers.

6. Visualisation

Olympic athletes and professional musicians practice visualisation exercises where they imagine they are winning a race or playing perfectly. Mentally rehearsing what is about to happen prepares the body and mind for the stressful event. Ask your child to imagine they are sitting at their desk, feeling very calm and relaxed and answering all the questions easily.

9. Don’t Panic!

10. Relax

Teaching children how to relax is so important during this time. Here are two simple relaxation exercises to read to your child at night, or whenever they are feeling stressed: ‘Elastic Band.’ Close your eyes, be very still and imagine your body is a piece of elastic. Just relax to start with and enjoy being a floppy piece of elastic.

Allow your legs to be floppy and relaxed, let your arms be floppy and relaxed, let your stomach be floppy and relaxed and finally, let your neck and head be floppy and relaxed. Now, very slowly imagine someone is very gently tugging your head and someone else is pulling your feet at the same time. And the elastic is becoming tighter. Your muscles are becoming more taut. Your whole body is getting longer and longer. Enjoy this wonderful stretching feeling as you are growing longer.

Then ... ping....let all the muscles in your body relax as the elastic band is released. Relax back to being a floppy bendy piece of elastic again. Enjoy this wonderful feeling of being totally relaxed and floppy.

‘Big Balloon.’ Close your eyes, be very still and imagine that you are holding a big balloon. It is very light. It feels very smooth. The balloon is in your favourite colour. Now, hold the bottom of your balloon, and feel the balloon gently rising into the sky. Each time you breathe in and out, you gently glide further and further into the warm summer sky. The deeper your breath is, the further you can travel. Enjoy this feeling of weightlessness. Enjoy the feeling of being completely free. Your body feels weightless and free and your mind feels totally free.

(Extracts from The Wishing Star, Nature CD and Quiet Spaces CD)

The Relax Kids “Concentration” CD or “Relax and De-stress” are great resources to help your child with their focus around exam times – they promote positive thinking and use exercises to help children manage their emotions. For more information, see www.relaxkids. com where you can sample the products or read library articles and blog posts.

Relax Kids is here in York!

Charlie Mitchell has recently trained as a Relax Kids Teacher and she is now offering courses in the York area. Classes focus on improving concentration, listening skills, attention span, confidence and self esteem as well giving children tools that will set them up for life.

Her next course will run every Monday from 9 May at 1.15 -2.15 until 20 June (excluding the Bank Holiday) at Briar House, Club Chambers (opposite the library, next to the Healing Clinic) Museum Street, York.

Classes are suitable for children aged 2- 5.

To find out more call 07870 498886 or visit www.relaxkids.com/charliemitchell charlie.relax.kids@gmail.com

7. Affirmations

Affirmations work in a similar way to visualisations, in that they help put your child in a positive state of mind. Get your child to try this exercise: Sit or stand up straight and smile, and say to themselves ten times, while breathing in and out slowly “I am relaxed, I am in control, I am confident and I can do it.” Try listening to the Relax Kids Believe and Achieve CD.

8. Sleep

Most children between 5-12 need between 9.5 to 11 hours sleep per night to function well. Teaching your child simple relaxation techniques will help them sleep peacefully and wake up fresh and happy. Some parents leave music playing or a Relax Kids CD such as Nature or Relax and De-stress, to ensure children get a sound nights sleep.

Families Vale of York

by Robina Cowan

brightideas for birthd DID SOMEONE SAY party? Yes, I’m afraid so. One thing’s as sure as eggs is eggs your child WILL have another birthday in the next year.

It’s Families to the rescue - we’ve put on our party hats to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year...

Before you start

www.shutterstock.com/Alena Ozerova

It’s worth bearing in mind the differing needs, interests and numbers of particular age groups.

Don’t feel the party has to last all afternoon - around two hours is enough, before everyone gets tired and emotional (not least the host parents). As a guide: One and two year-olds aren’t yet ready for a big affair. Most parents opt for a family gettogether or a not too big buffet with a handful of friends with similar aged children. Enjoy it while you can - it’s a doddle to organise and sociable for the adults ((it has been known for babies to sleep right through while the grown ups catch up over nibbles)

10 Families Vale of York

Three year-olds need planned activities. Name badge them on arrival then capture their imagination with simple ‘circle time’ singing and clapping games, or ‘dancing’ (ie jumping up and down to music). Balloons burst and it can all end in tears - hang them high as decorations rather than introducing them as playthings. The ideal guestlist for this age is around 8-12 children in a venue where they feel familiar - usually your home (sorry about that!)

Four to six year-olds enjoy joining in with traditional party games, such as Simon Says, Musical Bumps, Pass the Parcel, What’s the Time Mr Wolf, and Musical Lions (a favourite with parents, as the children have to be quiet, and still!). Allow space and time too for simply zipping around for a burst of unstructured play (which is where you’ll be thankful you blew up all those balloons).

Plenty of engaging games and giggles keep things rolling, and if you’re hiring help, puppeteers, music-makers or storytellers are a good bet. A maximum of 20 guests at this age is about right.

Seven to nine year-olds are ready for more concentration and involvement in the party entertainment. Most are now old enough and skilled enough for arts and crafts (making their own goodie bag filler at the same time, which is jolly handy). Alternatively, dancing, circus skills, drama or a team treasure hunt are good ways of harnessing energy - if you fail to plan they’re likely to fall back on that old favourite - “who can scream the loudest?”

Ages 10+ and this worldly-wise lot is unlikely to want Mummy and Daddy embarrassing them by donning a paper hat and insisting on joining in (save it for when they’re reaching their teens - it’ll be SO much more fun for you).

They’ll be wanting to do something

days special, such as bowling, karting, a mini disco in the living room, or a Glee style drama and singing workshop. Alternatively, a good bet is a jaw-dropping magic show, particularly when they can ‘help’.

Hopefully too, by this age they won’t harangue the magician with “I know how you did that”, as I overheard recently.

Planning your party Crowd control: Entertainers Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment.

TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap

into. Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.

Take them out: Venues It might feel less imaginative than an organised bunfight at yours, but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later?

Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards.

Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema.

TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time - you don’t want to be scratching around at the last minute and end up having to book ‘second best’.

Themed parties A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways.

How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery or cookies, or print t-shirts to match the theme.

TIP: Take the theme throughout the party - print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.

Top tips • It’s all in the timing

For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work.

• Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays

around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle.

• Keep the food simple and don’t over cater. Most

children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children maybe vegetarian or have a food intolerance.

• Sleepovers Come midnight, you’ll be regretting it... Planning

ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www.familiesonline.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.

• Party on a budget visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk for our ‘Party with Prudence’ tips.

Families Vale of York

11

let’s partyat...

When your child’s birthday is on the horizon, chances are you’re going to need some help along the way.

We’ve asked local entertainers and suppliers to give us some ideas and tips to make the day go with a swing – and remember we have loads more ideas online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk

Let’s PARTY with…

Cheeky Monkeys Party Hire

Don’t despair;

a nanny could be just the solution you’ve been waiting for.

To find out how Angelic Angels can help take the stress out of child care, call us today.

t: 01482 845 387

www.angelicangels.co.uk

Let’s PARTY with…

Imaginative Childcare

Children’s birthdays should be a happy occasion but so many parents find them stressful and expensive.

If you let Imaginative Childcare organize your child’s party they can take care of everything, including finding the perfect Cheeky Monkeys are relatively new to the venue or transforming your house in to a children’s party scene but that doesn’t party wonderland. mean they are any less qualified.

‘Every party includes our planning service, ‘Since our launch just under a year ago we invitations, decorations, party games and have provided parties all over the North party bags, as well as professional staff Yorkshire area,’ says owner Rebecca to run your party,’ says Natalie Bishop of Morrison, ‘and our happy party guests just Imaginative Childcare, ‘and we can also keep coming back.’ arrange soft-play, bouncy castles, face painters and children’s entertainers.’

‘I’ve always enjoyed creating memorable parties for my children but found that ‘We have a variety of party packages entertainment for the under 5’s was really to choose, from themed Arty Parties lacking, especially when it came to 1st where children get to decorate and keep birthdays! That is how Cheeky Monkeys giant spaceships, castles and pirate ship came about and we have been going playhouses. We have chocolate making strong ever since. We aim to keep our parties, princess pamper parties and packages affordable yet still have the wow traditional garden parties. factor. Our main aim to make sure children ‘We can also create a unique birthday come away smiling.’ party especially for your child based on a Cheeky Monkeys offer a wide range of theme of your choosing. We work closely party options including bouncy castles, with all our families as we aim to make themed airflow systems, soft play and sure you all enjoy every moment of the face painting. All of which come highly special day.’ recommended! www.imaginativechildcare.com ‘We have created Soft Play areas for birthday parties, weddings, christenings, adoption parties - the list keeps growing.

I would advise on early booking though to secure your party date.’ www.cheekymonkeyshire.co.uk

Party Zone

Let’s PARTY at…

12 Families Vale of York

The Academy Childcare and Party Zone in Harrogate was awarded £10,000 last year, from the North Yorkshire County Council, for improving their outdoor play provision.

Now complete, this fantastic new area only enhances the setting in terms of quality childcare and a fantastic party destination. Logs become horses riding across the Western Prairie, pipes turn into telescopes as pirates search the seven seas for treasure and the mini climbing wall releases the wannabe mountaineers - the fun is endless!

The soft play area is available to hire for your child’s birthday, or any other special occasion, and they cater for 12-52 children - aged 2-11 years.

Parties are organised and supervised by qualified nursery nurses and they organise EVERTHING for you, from food to party bags and even give the party host a present!

All you need to do is provide the kids and then relax, put your feet up in the clubs café bar – and they do the rest!

For more information or to check availability, call party co-ordinator Louise on 01423 524052 Ext 118, or visit www.theacademy.co.uk.

..

First Steps @Roko

Let’s PARTY at…

Clifton Moor based childcare provider First Steps @ Roko is one of only a few children’s party specialists based in North Yorkshire who provides splash parties. First Steps offers a comprehensive package for children to enjoy a birthday party with the use of the roko Health Club swimming pool for parties of 10 children or more with a range of inflatable pool equipment. Their fully supervised parties include party games, party food, decorations and birthday cake. Other party themes are also catered for such as pamper parties, bouncy castle parties and more.

01904 693007or email york@firststepsatroko.co.uk

reader offer

Parties for 10 children start at £135 – or £125 if you mention Families Magazine when you book.

Let’s PARTY at…

Let’s PARTY with…

Suitable from 3 years old.

Summer may be just around the corner but there’s still real snow on the ground in Castleford. Choose from Ice Sliding, Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledging at the coolest venue in Yorkshire. Alison Wheatcroft booked a Sledging Party for her son Ben’s 8th birthday. She says all the children loved to 45 minute session, and she loved the support of SNO!Zone’s party organiser.

‘They were fantastic, so attentive. They couldn’t have done more,’ said Alison from Wetherby. ‘The 45 minute sledging session went so quickly and all the children came off the slope exhausted.’

The SNO!Zone party team is now offering exclusive use of a room for your guests to eat and, until the end of June, there’s free use of the snowboard simulator. Other extras include party bags, balloons and a group photo on the slopes.

You have to be at least 3 years old to enjoy a Sledging Party and 7 years old for a Ice Slide Party.

Both have a minimum of 10 children. To book, or find out more call 0871 222 5671. www.snozoneuk.com

If your child loves animals The Purple Pig Company can make their dreams come true. The company takes animals on tour and can provide child friendly animals to match the party theme from a full farm yard, ponies, to smaller exotic animals in your own home, garden or village hall. The children get to spend time with the animals learn all about them, groom them and of course get plenty of cuddles.

If you were considering buying your child a pet for their birthday The Purple Pig Company can provide you with all the information you require to make the correct decision on which pet is right for your family and help you with a complete set up and even deliver on the special day.

SNO!ZONE

The Purple Pig

How about Birthday Chickens?

Currently on a campaign to get more children keeping chickens as pets (they become very friendly and give the parents something back for all their hard work cleaning out!) then Purple Pig can loan you an incubator with everything you need to hatch chicks or ducklings on your child’s actual birthday. You can then choose to keep them or give them back after you have observed them grow.

We think that’s a fabulous idea! www.thepurplepigcompany.com

Crazy Tykes

Let’s PARTY at…

Why have a party at home when you have to do all the work and do the organising too?

Crazy Tykes Parties last two hours and include foods and drinks and invitations. Depending on the package there is generally a party bag too.

The newest party package for older children is their Laser Gun party. You can have exclusive use of Crazy tykes after 6.30pm, loud music and a selection of pre-programmed games for the guns! There are team games or individual shoot out elimination games with a certificate for all those participating.

You can also design a package yourself from a range of Crazy sand to face painting, glitter tattoos or balloon modeling - there’s even a painting / craft party.

So, if you don’t want to be reliant on the weather, Let Crazy Tykes do the work for you.They are fully air conditioned so come rain or shine, it doesn’t matter at all.

10% off Parties Show this article and you’ll receive 10% off Crazy reader offer Tykes and Tykes parties in August and September. And look out for party booking on line very soon. www.crazytykes.co.uk

Let’s PARTY at…

The Little Gym Suitable for ages 1-10 A Little Gym Birthday Party means parents have time to relax and enjoy a fully supervised party with exclusive use of the gym.

‘Our custom designed facility is complimented by our lively and friendly staff and every party includes plenty of music, movement, games and FUN,’ says owner Kate Henebury.

Each party is led by 2 instructors. Your children will have an hour to explore the gym where instructors facilitate age appropriate games and physical activities. They use specialist gymnastics equipment (bars, beams and tumble area) as well as parachutes, balls and hoops. After an hour of fun and games it’s time for birthday cake and snacks before children disappear back into the gym for the remainder of the hour and a half.

‘The party is private so your child and birthday guests will have 100% of our attention. We mean it when we say our parties are no fuss; because we do everything from providing the invitations to the clean-up of the party,’ says Kate. ‘Children have a blast and parents can sit back and enjoy the special occasion.’

The Little Gym runs parties for children from 1 to 10 years of age. Party slots are available on Saturday and Sunday. Call 01423 701560 - early booking recommended. www.thelittlegym-eu.com

Let’s PARTY with…

Go Ballistic Magic Suitable for ages 4+ ‘Children love magic,’ says Martin Chapman, and they often come up to me after a show to see more tricks or ask how they’re done. It’s the perfect treat for their inquisitive minds!’

Martin works his routine around whatever age group he is working with (I work with children aged 4 and up) the size of venue, and the venue’s location.

‘Luckily magic is pretty flexible, and whatever or wherever the occasion, it always delivers. Some of the tricks revolve around stories…some I link together to ensure fluidity. It’s all about keeping their attention, making them laugh, and making them wonder.’

Martin’s routine includes conjuring, card tricks, levitation, illusions, trickery, sleight of hand and visual jokes as well as comedy and story magic.

‘The kids enjoy audience participation and love some of the more daring illusions such as seeing a parent’s hand being cut off!’

Here at Families we’ve seen Martin perform a number of times and are always impressed. We have to agree with one satisfied mum who told us: ‘The Boys were really impressed with the tricks you showed them and are driving us mad practising...my daughter thought it was fantastic and didn’t want it to end.’

TEL: 01904 613206 www.goballisticmagic.com

Families Vale of York

13

We asked well-known local children’s entertainer Henrietta Rabbit to give us some handy party hints.

henrietta’s handy hints!

VENUE: It’s a great idea to hire a hall. Apart from the obvious mess-savings, the best reason being if you do have a party at home and you hear a child say: “Let’s go upstairs”.................the party’s over.

The wrecking-crew will hit the upper floor and there’s very little you can do to coax them down. The guests’ curiosity will extend upstairs to your child’s bedroom, and possibly yours as well. All you will hear echoing from above will be the shrieks of alien children running amok, bouncing on your bed, turning out your child’s toy-cupboard...much to his/her distress.

You can look for: • Church halls • Community centres • Sports clubs • Play centres • Local Gyms • Hotels The last four potential venues will often let you have the room for free and charge only for the food, which can be a great break for you. One sports centre near us will also give the parents passes for the day to make use of their lovely facilities

WHAT TO FEED ‘EM ON Despite having a poor reputation, sandwiches are still fairly popular, as is pizza and of course sausages.

Familiar foods seem best (and not the Pret-a-Manger sandwiches we were greeted with once, which went untouched – far too posh!)

If you have time and resources, try shepherd’s pie – ‘Queen’ (as she’s known in our house) Delia Smith has a lovely version on the internet; the one with, er, instant mashed potato.

Easy to make the day before, simple to warm through and the appetising aroma will make everyone want to eat - I’ve seen bowls of it licked clean!

This was followed by apple crumble and custard, with many requests for second helpings.

The worst option from the entertainer’s point of view is the running buffet – food gets everywhere, the children are up and down all the time back and forth to the food-table, there are ownership issues over drinks and they get spilled and the children spattered.

Teddy Bears Picnic

PARTY BAGS

Is this a new phenomenon? No – they’ve been around for 20 years or so. The plastic bag (sold in annoying packs of eight. . .) filled with sweets, toys, notebooks, pens, hair adornments. It keeps the Chinese plastics market in business, shipping lots of tiny nonsense pieces over in vast containers.

I can promise you this: The world will not come to an end if you decide NOT to give out party bags. It takes a brave adult to say “There are no party bags”, hand them their piece of the birthday cake and bid the child farewell and thanks for coming. That parent will be secretly admired by others.

There are, however, some jolly alternatives and I can personally vouch for the joy they bring: Children’s Magazines: your newsagent will weep with joy at your order. Gender-appropriate and usually with some tacky toy gift glued to the front, I’ve seen children genuinely chuffed to bits at receiving their mag at the end of the do.

Cake Mix Packs: Fairy cake mixes, or Denis the Menace Cup cake mixes, from local supermarkets and received with delight by the children.

Grow a Sunflower: A pot with a seed in, or a cutting.

The children carried these home with studied concentration.

There’s all sorts of ideas available for ‘something’ in a pot. If you don’t feel like doing this yourself, the garden centre will be delighted to help, and also sell cute junior gardener packs, too.

Lucky Dip: Wrap some half-decent toys or gifts, plunge into a huge box of shreddings and let them fumble their way to a pressie to take home. They should take turns, or there’ll be a lot of ...er.....’jostling’.

Lunatic Fringe: One couple (obviously in the rag trade) presented each child with a pair of knickers or pants.

The boys put them on over their trousers and became Superman, the girls put them on their heads to wear home - a funny reaction to seeing such items out of context.

Another gave each a chunky mug which had been personalised with the party details and date.

Then there are those who try to ‘get one over’ the other parents and give i-pods, vouchers for nail bar treatments, a DVD of the party, with full production values, lighting, soundtrack etc, talking teddy bears. If that rather grand trend continues, it’ll end up like the goodie-bags given to celebs at the Oscars!

ENTERTAINMENT At the risk of hearing howls of “Well, she WOULD say that, wouldn’t she?”....I can recommend hiring an entertainer.

But here’s our secret: It’s what entertainers do for their own children’s parties Good luck!

Henrietta Rabbit 0333 000 4567

If you don’t have a birthday coming up, don’t let that stop you having a party!

Those wonderful party organisers Party Crew Harrogate have teamed up with Hotel Du Vin In Harrogate to bring a series of Teddy Bears Picnics.

Party Crew hosts will be at Hotel Du Vin on five dates throughout the school holidays this year to provide teddy bear making, face painting and balloon modelling. Take your children along and you can relax whilst your children are entertained for 2 hours.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. The current dates are 1st June (Half Term), 3rd August, 17th August and 26th October (Half Term).

For further details call 01423 856800 or email events.harrogate@hotelduvin.com Prices also include a meal for the children and a treat for parents too.

Party Crew Harrogate is an award winning business and can organise all aspects of your party from face painting to a full range of children’s entertainment services.

For more details go to www.partycrew.co.uk or email Elizabeth on harrogate@partycrew.co.uk

a A new Gift Idert from 4 Little A

l Suitable for al ages These brand new design Animal Alphabet pictures have ery child. something for ev alised in on rs pe They can be the r or by selecting de or tic be ha alp r efe pr u yo If best. animal you love onalised rs pe nno e th select one of your child’s room pieces and bring gift a great original e ak m ey to life. Th starting s ice pr th wi d for children an e is something to at just £9.99 ther . et dg suit any bu o.uk www.4littleart.c

www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Develop your child’s skills and confidence The Little Gym is a place where children develop their co-ordination, balance, confidence, listening and social skills whilst having heaps of FUN! The Little Gym provider of the world’s leading gymnastics based programme for children aged 4 months to 12 years is available in Harrogate!

Contact us now for more information on 01423 701560. $!ŏ %00(!ŏ 5)IJŏ ..+# 0!ŏđŏāŏ . (!ŏ .'ŏđŏ ..+# 0!ŏđŏ ăŏā ĀāąĂăŏĈĀāĆćĀŏđŏ ..+# 0!Į0$!(%00(!#5)ċ +ċ1'ŏđŏ333ċ0$!(%00(!#5)ċ +ċ1' parent/child classes

14 Families Vale of York

preschool/ kindergarten gymnastics

primary school gymnastics

holiday camps

birthday parties

Treasure Wish List Service Treasures Wish List Service is a brilliant new idea from owner Zhara Armstrong designed to make present choosing a breeze.

‘The Wish List will be a great experience for the birthday child,’ says Zhara.

‘How often do children get to go around a toy store with their own specially sized shopping trolley selecting toys?’

Once the list is created, a ‘wish card’ is sent with the party invites so the guest can visit Treasures and choose a gift from the list.

‘For the guests it makes selecting and buying a present so much easier and if you don’t have time to pop into Treasures it can all be done over the phone.

We will offer free gift wrap and free delivery to the child’s home address and all presents from a Wish List receive a discount.’

Having a Wish List also encourages parents to club together to buy a gift between them - so the birthday child may get fewer presents but it will be just what they wanted.

‘I’m amazed by how many parents buy gifts at the last minute,’ says Zhara, ‘some on their way to the party!

This is designed to make the whole process much easier and cheaper too since all gifts have a 5% discount.’

reader offer

To launch this service Treasures is offering a double discount of 10% for the first 6 readers from Families Vale of York to set up a Wish List.

Just Quote ‘Families Vale of York’ when you book to create your wish list. This great offer is available for this issue only.

This means that everyone purchasing on these six wish lists will receive a 10% discount. So all friends and relatives buying for the birthday child will enjoy the benefit.

The Wish List Service is not just for birthdays either but can be used for any occasion – so when family members want to know what the children what for Christmas you can give them a Treasures Wish Card! www.treasurestoys.co.uk

Party Bags R Us!!

Smartacow Smartaco

w is th Cold Bath Toy Shop in Harrogate smartest plac e e is pleased to announce that they unique person to find al now offer a Party Bag service. party invitatio ised ns and ‘save the ‘The very idea of Party Bags can date’ magnets. sometimes seem like a nightmare on top of all the other things to think Specialising in high quality about when organizing a child’s eye-catching de signs that will party,’ says Cold Bath Toy Shop amaze your guests (and sa ve you time w owner Simone Wood. ‘That’s why riting them), they’re flexible an d love a challenge we decided to help by providing .

‘If there’s a them tastefully put together Party Bags, e, character or you would like co lo ur that which cost no more than if they had been made by the – just let us kn ow and we’ll see if we can design it for yo customers themselves. And at no extra cost they can be u,’ says Jo Riley of Smarta ready for next-day collection. Which means they really can cow.

‘O ve r time we’ve be a last minute lifeline.’ their invitations learnt what kids want on Simply telephone, email, or call in at the shop on Cold and that they usually prefer to hand them out Bath Road to place an order, then sit back and leave don’t want enve to their friends. If you the arrangements to them. You can choose from £1.99, lopes you don’ them. t pay for £2.50, £5.00 and £7.50 price points, and request any Smartacow do specific options such as names or themes, girls, boys or in occasions – w vitations for all family unisex. edding annive rsaries, special birthdays, retir em ‘We promise to use only quality items, and the value of whatever even ent party, christenings or t you’ve got pl the contents will always match or exceed the cost to the anned.

Free postage an customer.’ d no minimum or packing in the UK and der.

Contact Cold Bath Toy Shop to place an order www.smarta or visit the shop to see a sample: Cold Bath Toy cow.com or co ntact louise@smar Shop, 123 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate. HG2 0NU, tacow.com Tel: 01423 709886, info@coldbathtoyshop.co.uk.

Perfect for Babies…

Baby Roots

Whether you are an Eco enthusiast or simply love natural beauty, a baby roots tree is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Baby roots trees are packaged from 2 years old and make a completely unique “grow with me gift” ‘How wonderful it is to receive a gift that will not end up tucked away in a box, or at worst in a landfill site,’ says Angela Ward from Baby Roots.

‘A baby roots gift will grow with you and become a part of your family to display and enjoy for years to come.’

The perfect gift for a newborn, christening / naming ceremony or a one-year-old – and one that will last a lifetime. www.babyroots.co.uk 01937 579162

Jo Jingles is Here!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Develop your child’s t Co-ordination t Social Skills t Confidence t Language t Listening Skills t Imagination Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

For details on classes in: Wakefield (Sandal & Stanley), Pontefract, Normanton, Ackworth, Horbury/Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet, Wetherby, Boston Spa & Harrogate Call Paula on 01977 650455 or email jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk www.jojingles.com/leeds

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what’son in May/June ‘11 Dance your way to wealth and success this Spring at York Steiner School Spring Fair

Most people know that Maypole dancing is part of an ancient, pagan fertility ritual but few realise that, according to traditional belief, it is also a way to get rich! Our ancestors believed that wealth and prosperity would be showered on all who took part in this annual ritual.

The ancient dances – quite challenging to perform, were once celebrated each May in villages the length and breadth of our land. The tradition is kept alive at York Steiner School, where participation in a sequence of festivals marking the progression of the year not only brings the community together, but is also one of the school’s many ways of helping children develop a strong sense of security.

On Saturday, May 21, you can put YOUR dancing to the test. The York Steiner School Spring Fair, which includes Maypole dancing for pupils, will also offer special beginner’s sessions for adults. The teachers and parents who are organising the fair, say they make no guarantee of an immediate lottery win... but do promise that dancing the Maypole will, in itself, provide a life enhancing and enriching experience!

See listing below for details of their Spring Fair.

29 April – 8 May Spring Gala - 175th Anniversary of the Whitby-Pickering Line NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is marking the 175th anniversary of the Whitby-Pickering line with a Spring Gala comprising a line up of engines that includes 44767 “George Stephenson”, making its return to the NYMR after a number of years. www.nymr.co.uk

1- 31 May & Early June Lamb Feeding ANIMAL WORLD AT TOO HOOTS Feeding at set times of the day – call ahead to check.

01405 862854 www.toohoots.co.uk

1 & 2 May Bank Holiday Fun - Pond Life FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Free trail and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange. 11am-4pm 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

8 May Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Family Day YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK Free drop-in Family activities with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. www.ysp.co.uk

13 & 14 May Museums at Night

21 May NCT Nearly New Sale

WHITBY ABBEY Visit the abbey at twilight in conjunction with ‘Museums at Night’, for a unique perspective of the abbey. 6:30pm - 9:30pm

21 May The York Steiner School Spring Fair

14 May Museums at Night HAREWOOD HOUSE Late Night Opening...See Harewood in a different light! Twilight tours of the House, children’s activities and trails in the House, traditional cookery demonstrations and recorded Servants’ tales playing Below Stairs. 6.00pm - 9.00pm 0113 218 1000 www.harewood.org

14 & 15 May From Here to There EUREKA! A show that’s all about bridges! Bridges that get built and knocked down, bridges you can climb over and crawl under. Magic bridges, bridges that tell stories of hungry trolls and greedy goats. For children aged from 18 months - 4 years. £2.50 per child. www.eureka.org.uk

21 May Booby & The Beads Baby / Toddler & Craft Fair EVERSLEY PARK CENTRE, SHERBURN IN ELMET 11.00am to 4.00pm 07969244864 for details.

POPPLETON CENTRE, YORK 2.20pm - 4pm

YORK STEINER SCHOOL Live music, stalls selling plants, toys, home produce and the wares of local crafts people. Top quality storytelling and exciting craft activities for children plus a unique atmosphere and plenty of good, home cooked food. 11am to 4pm. For more details contact York Steiner School 01904 654983.

21 & 22 May Kite Festival HAREWOOD HOUSE Kites and rockets of all shapes and sizes taking to the air with something for everyone including teddy bear trails, falconry displays, kite making activities, face painting, puppet shows & stilt walkers. 10am - 6pm 0113 218 1000 www.harewood.org

25 May Goblins, Witches, Fairies and Plants!

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Uncover the folk tales and fairy stories linked to herbs and plants on the estate. 11am-1pm

28 May Harrogate Baby Fair ASHVILLE COLLEGE, HARROGATE Over 30 stalls and aimed at parents of childen under 12. 10am - 2pm www.harrogatebabyfair.com

Information was correct as we went to press but be sure to check before you make plans as things may have changed.

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28 – 30 May Get Medieval FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Join the costumed re-enactors around their medieval encampment. Watch and take part in activities and demonstrations based on 15th century life. 11am-5pm. 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

28 – 30 May Scotsman preview weekend NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Catch a glimpse of Flying Scotsman on the Turntable as her restoration nears completion. Fun family activities including craft workshops, a Scotsman trail and daily talks about the locomotive and its restoration.

Flying Scotsman will be operating on the mainline in 2011. For further details check www.flyingscotsman.org.uk in the coming months. www.nrm.org.uk

28 – 30 May Fighting Knights CONISBROUGH CASTLE Take along your budding knights to discover the world of medieval battle. Try your hand at sword skills, meet a duo of fully armoured knights and their squire and watch hand to hand combat. www.english-heritage.org.uk

28 May - 5 June Bank Holiday Fun - Pond Life FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Free trail and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange. 11am-4pm 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

28 May – 5 June May Half Term Fun NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Fun for all the family ahead of Flying Scotsman’s official return, including craft activities, talks and tours, bagpipes, a Scotsman trail and exciting steam rides in south yard. www.nrm.org.uk

28 May - 05 June Blackbeard Pirate Challenge DIG, ST SAVIOURGATE Do you have the skills to succeed as a pirate, and perhaps to win a family ticket to Lightwater Valley? Suitable for all. 10.30am – 4pm www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

28 May - 5 June The Path to Paradise & Presence RIEVAULX ABBEY Follow the mysterious labyrinth with costumed guides will creating song lines, poetry and music to help you on your way.

11am - 4pm

28 - 30 May Medieval Courtly Combat & Time Travellers Go... Medieval WHITBY ABBEY Marvel at the medieval knights as they take on the ultimate ‘Tournament of Foote’.

There’s also chance to try your hand at the noble art of archery plus hands on Time Traveller medieval pastimes and fun and games for all children - young and old! 11am - 5pm www.english-heritage.org.uk

28 May – 5 June

28 May – 6 June The Bear Necessities

Fairies & Dragons Week BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS Discover the secrets in the garden with plenty of hands on activities and fun for children from storytelling to garden trails and arts and crafts. www.english-heritage.org.uk

29 & 30 May Myths and Monsters Bank Holiday Fun

28 May - 5 June Tudor Trail for Children CLIFFORD’S TOWER Uncover the grisly story of Henry VIII and his six wives, who are all hiding around the grounds. www.english-heritage.org.uk

theatre 12-15 May Shaun the Sheep

ALHAMBRA THEATRE BRADFORD www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 01274 432000

14 May The Gingerbread Man

LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE www.lbt-uk.org

21 May The cat that walked by himself JUNCTION - GOOLE Workshop also available 11am-1pm www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652

21 May 7pm James Campbell Comedy for Kids

DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk

21 May, 1pm & 3pm The Little Red Hen

DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk

31 May & 1 June The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen

HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

31 May – 2 June The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business

HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

1 – 4 June The Gruffalo’s Child WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk

3 - 25 Jun My Family and other Animals

YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

EUREKA! With your favourite teddy in tow, go on a bear hunt and celebrate everything teddy related. www.eureka.org.uk

CASTLE HOWARD Listen to Castle Howard’s magical tales from myths and legends. Follow the monster trail through the grounds. All activities are included in entry price. www.castlehoward.co.uk

4 June Little Howard & The Magic Pencil of Life & Death THE STUDIO, ALHAMBRA BRADFORD www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 01274 432000

5 June Little Howard & The Magic Pencil of Life & Death LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE www.lbt-uk.org

7-25 June The Sound of Music THE GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, LEEDS 0870 121 4901 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

8 – 12 June Shaun the Sheep in Shaun’s Big Show GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 01904 671818

15 - 16 June Peppa Pig’s Party ST GEORGE’S HALL BRADFORD www.bradford-theatres. co.uk 01274 432000

18 June The Ugly Duckling JUNCTION - GOOLE Workshop also available 11am-1pm www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652

18 & 19 June Peppa Pig’s Party HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

19 June Wind in the Willows: Outdoor Theatre CASTLE HOWARD The tales of the river bank are brought to life in this outdoor adventure.Take a picnic to complete a perfect family outing for Father’s Day. The optional children’s

workshop starts at 1.30pm, main performance at 3pm.

All tickets must be prebooked. Call 01653 648621 www.castlehoward.co.uk

21 June - 2 July Grease ALHAMBRA THEATRE BRADFORD www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 01274 432000

22 - 25 Jun Animal Tails YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

24 June – 16 July The Wiz WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk

30 Jun Sense & Sensibility MOUNT GRACE PRIORY Take your chairs and picnics and enjoy an enchanting evening of live theatre.

1 & 2 July 7.30pm Grimm’s Tales HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE Carol Anne Duffy’s exciting re-working by 1812 Youth Theatre. 01439 771 700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

2nd July Midsummer Night’s Dream THORP PERROW Take a chair and a picnic -tearoom will be open for snacks/refreshments.

Gates open at 6.30pm.

Tickets only - bookings: 01677 425323

5 July A Midsummer Nights Dream Outdoor Theatre EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL Take a chair & a picnic to enjoy an evening of magical entertainment provided by The Lord Chamberlains Men. 10.30am Families Vale of York

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what’son 30 May The Ripley Falconry Experience

RIPLEY CASTLE Opportunities for hands-on experience with a selection of raptors including vultures, eagles and owls. 9.30am - 4.30pm. Special tours of the castle for children at 10.30am and 1.45pm. www.ripleycastle.co.uk

30 May Bees & Seeds Family Fun Day YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK Drop-in workshops. www.ysp.co.uk

30 May – 3 June Half Term Party!

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS With Go Potty, Art Workshops and trails, plus face painting and gingerbread workshops. 12pm – 4pm

31 May Family Outdoor Climbing Day BRIMHAM ROCKS The Harrogate Climbing Centre are running family climbing sessions at this famous climbing area, so why not take the whole family to have a go at climbing in the great outdoors! 10am - 4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk

31 May – 5 June Time Travellers Go... Medieval WHITBY ABBEY How would you have fared 500 years ago?

Take a trip back to medieval times to find out, with plenty of fun hands-on activities and games. www.english-heritage.org.uk

1 June Teddy bears picnic HOTEL DU VIN HARROGATE Party Crew Harrogate has teamed up with hotel Du Vin In Harrogate to bring a teddy bear making, face painting and balloon modelling extravaganza! Take your children along and you can relax whilst your children are entertained for 2 hours. Places are limited and must be booked in advance. Call 01423 856800 or email events.harrogate@ hotelduvin.com Prices also include a meal for the children and a treat for parents too!!

1 & 2 June Placed in the Landscape YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK Family Sculpture Workshops inspired by the work of Henry Moore. Join artists in shaping plaster blocks and incorporating found natural objects to create human forms.

Suitable for children age 8+, £4. Book online or call 01924 832528. www.ysp.co.uk

2 June Minibeast Safari BRIMHAM ROCKS Join the wardens to discover what lurks in the undergrowth at the ugly bug ball. 2pm.

Booking Essential.

3 June Family Bike Ride FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Unique opportunity to cycle through the grounds of the Fountains Estate. 6pm-8pm 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

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3,4,5 June Craft Fair NEWBY HALL & GARDENS A great day out with a whole host of entertainment for the family.

01423 322583 www.newbyhall.com

5 June The ‘Radipe Bros’ Circus Workshop THORP PERROW Join the famous and very entertaining ‘Rapide Bros’ for lots circus mayhem, fun and games. A family day suitable for all ages. 11am - 4pm 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com

18 June JUMBLE SALE HENSHAWS ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE Have a spring clean then send things their way.www.henshawsacc.org.uk or telephone 01423 541888

18 & 19 June Soliders of the Roses RIEVAULX ABBEY Explore life in medieval England and celebrate the 550th anniversary of the infamous Battle of Towton. Watch armoured knights in hand to hand combat and evesdrop on dramatic dialogue as the secrets of the past are brought to life before your eyes.

19 June Father’s Day Art & Lunches BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Free event (normal admission charges apply). Art workshops - make something quirky for dad. 11am 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

19 Jun Classic Cars for Fathers Day BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS Enjoy the perfect day out for Fathers’ Day, as Classic and vintage cars return to the lawns of Brodsworth Hall.

19 June Father’s Day Classic Car Rally HAREWOOD HOUSE Treat Dad to a great Dad’s day out! 10am 6pm 0113 218 1000 www.harewood.org

25 June Oatlands Community Gala Fun Day OATLANDS PLAYING FIELDS, (off Hookstone Road, Harrogate, HG2 8BT) Attractions include: bouncy castle, giant slide, face painting, tours of emergency services’ vehicles, stalls, games and races. Enjoy the free entertainment provided by local dance troupes, sporting organisations and music groups. Children can enter the fancy dress parade on the day Refreshments include: ice creams, BBQ, beer tent and home-made teas.

01423 871846 or www.harrogateonline. com/oatlandsgala 1 pm - 4.30 pm Free of charge.

classes Yoga in York

Pregnancy Yoga in York at the Friargate Friends Meeting House, Central York Tues 7-8pm £6.50 for first class £1 off for concessions, usually then pay for 7 in advance (£45.50) or an extra £1 to drop in Mum and Baby Yoga from 6 weeks post natal.

Tues 11am - noon (includes crawlers) at St Clements Ch, Scarcroft Rd, South Bank.

Fri 11am- noon (6 wks - pre crawlers only) at Healing Clinic, Museum St, City Centre. £42 for 7 weeks.

With Anna Semlyen British Wheel of Yoga Dip 01904 654355 / 07891 989310 www. yogainyork.co.uk anna@yogainyork.co.uk

YogaCo Yoga for Pregnancy Wed & Thurs 6.30 - 8.15pm at Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane, central York. £7.50 per class. Sophie Carr 01904 733752 www.yogaco.co.uk info@yogaco.co.uk Mum and Baby Yoga Mon 10.30 - 12 noon at St Columba’s Church Hall, Priory St, central York. £6 per class.

Alison Goodwin 01904 799097 www.yogaco.co.uk yogawithalison@yahoo.co.uk

25 & 26 June 2011 York Cycle Show THE RACECOURSE, KNAVESMIRE ROAD, YORK Join over 10,000 cyclists from across the UK and beyond, for a weekend festival of pedal arena grass track racing and fun events. Trade and exhibition marquees, vintage bikes, touring rides, stunt displays, cycle auction, children’s entertainers, giant inflatables, York Minster cyclists service, camping and caravan pitches Fri 24th pm to Mon 27th am.

York residents take your bikes for free bike security marking by N. Yorkshire Police.

9am to 5 pm daily. www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk 07765 070120

2 & 3 July Marston Moor Live!

MARSTON GRANGE FARM, TOCKWITH ROAD, LONG MARSTON Join the Royalist troops at Marston Moor as they prepare for battle. Activities for all the family including weapon displays, walks, talks, games, traditional crafting, exhibitions, live battlefield archaeology and a chance to see some of the battlefield artefacts found at the site. 10am – 4pm. www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

2 & 3 July Medieval Crafts & Pastimes RIEVAULX ABBEY Discover a weekend of medieval fun and games with plenty of toys to try. Plus a series of humorous and light hearted presentations of medieval monastic crafts and discovery

beta mum

TreasureTrails Families editor Belinda Maunsell tried out a spy trail in Selby

Treasure Trails are a fun and exciting way to explore your local area. Ours promised a two hour exploration of Selby as we tried to discover who had assassinated ‘Ima Mole’ whilst foiling a deadly plot involving priceless jewels buried under Selby Abbey.

Our clues were all printed in our booklet, so armed with nothing more than a pencil, my trusty spies and I set off from Selby Railway Station to embark on our adventure on a cool day in the Easter Holidays.

Our first clues had us searching high and low and soon we began noticing things we’d passed many times, but never actually seen. The children read out the clues and ‘orders’ and took it in turn to search for the answer, writing it in a grid on the back of the booklet.

We had lots of counting to do outside the Abbey and were surprised to find there had been a cholera epidemic in Selby and that we’d walked over the burial ground without knowing on many occasions.

We then had a long time in the Abbey grounds before grabbing a snack and continuing to find foundation stones, artwork, almshouses and mysterious lamps. In fact we were doing really well until our path plans were scuppered by a fire in one of the roads we needed to access. We could see that our next few clues were that way – but we weren’t going to be finding them today.

Then it rained!

We decided the trail would keep and retired home, keen to finish it when the weather warms up and the debris has been cleared!

We chose a trail close to home, so it will be easy to resume at a later date but you could always plan a day trip around one though as there are loads to choose from. How about the York Museum Gardens Treasure Hunt or the Riccall, Naburn & Stillingfleet Murder Mystery Trail? I’m particularly looking forward to the next two trails being launched – a Real Ale Trail and a Chocolate Trail - both in York.

In total there are 15 walking, 2 driving and one cycling trail in the York & Humber region stretching from Tadcaster in the west over to Bridlington in the East.

We found the trail fairly challenging – my ‘helpers’ were 8 and 9 years old and didn’t always read the clues as carefully as they should! But everything is there – it just takes a bit of detective work! If you get really stuck, you can text for a clue and once you have the answer, you can enter it online with a chance to win a prize. You can even buy the trails online and download them at home.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different to do, that will get the whole family out in the fresh air, you’ll have lots of fun exploring with a Treasure Trail. www.treasuretrails.co.uk

Clothes is what I do. I run a clothes shop, I style people, I ‘detox’ people’s wardrobes, people pay me to take them shopping, I run after people in the street and ask them where they bought things, I grab random strangers in fitting rooms and bring them stuff to try on. I make clothes, I read about clothes, I write about clothes, I dream about clothes.

But I’m still a slightly overweight 41-year-old woman, juggling work, children, relationships and a serious shoe habit. If I spend money on clothes it comes out of the food budget. I do feed the kids but for me it’s a direct choice between a jacket or a jacket spud.

At 19, my favourite outfit was a black lycra skintight catsuit, topped with a pair of skimpy denim cutoffs and eight-hole DMs. And this was when I was nicely incubating a fledgling case of body dysmorphia.

Heaven knows what I’d have done if I’d have been confident.

Over the years, my hair’s been deep purple and huge, cropped super short and bleached white and precision-cut into a bob, dyed glossy ebony and shining blue like a blackbird’s wing.

This may explain why, 22 years on, I’ve dyed my hair pillar box red and allowed the brilliant Dannie Lea to chop it enthusiastically into a 21st century take on the Mohican.

For me, teenage years meant wild experimentation. The Daily Mail took my picture for their annual ‘phew, what a scorcher’ picture story, because in the sweltering heat of a July day, I was dressed head to toe in black, long hair spiking impressively into the blue sky, with full Siouxsie Sioux make-up and a studded dog collar, leaning against the railings on Margate seafront, licking an ice lolly with what I can only imagine was extreme sweaty thirst.

It’s less cool to confess I woke up the next day with terror in the pit of my stomach because I’d been expressly forbidden by my parents to wear that dog collar, but had sneaked it out of the house and popped it on as I slathered on a great deal more black make-up on the bus. I raced round to the newsagents, intending to buy every copy of the Daily Mail so my parents wouldn’t see it. Luckily for me, they didn’t use the picture and this is the

first time they’ll find out what a bad girl I was.

Entering the world of work meant little vintage skirt suits, worn with thick black tights and DM shoes.

My first marriage meant a shattering drop in confidence, as I tried to be the rugby shirt-clad, middle class miss that he wanted. It ended in tears, divorce and a referral for counselling with the eating disorder specialist at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Pregnancy meant nothing more than covering my vast body and surviving. Early motherhood ditto.

And then you start getting yourself back. Professionally, this is often where I step in, helping women to rediscover their true selves after years devoted to bosses and babies.

Many devote themselves to the cult of Johnny Boden and look sweet and appropriate in appliquéd A-line.

But I seem to have mysteriously ended up with scarlet spikes and a cerise satin swing coat.

I’m not sure how it happened but given my belief that a mother’s job is to give their children a frequent dose of embarrassment and a touchstone to kick against, I think I’m doing OK. My nine year old son viewed me suspiciously as I descended the stairs the other morning. I was wearing black Melissa platform wedges, large scale fishnet tights, a black tulle skirt (charity shop) and a black Vivienne Westwood (second hand) top.

‘Mum?’ he said, ‘Can we start a list of stuff you’re not allowed to wear, cos you look weird?’

‘Er, yes darling,’ I chuckled, ‘What’s top of the list?’

‘Everything you’re wearing. In fact, I’m not even going to look at you.’

He kept his eyes closed all the way to school, so he couldn’t see me grinning.

Jacey Lamerton juggles motherhood with running her own dress agency and style coaching business Get Your Frocks Off!. Some days the juggling goes better than others. Her shop sells nearly new clothes and accessories from brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Joseph, LK Bennett, Hobbs, Mulberry and many more. It’s now at 43 Goodramgate and open Mon – Sat 10 – 5.

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